Cowboys Trade TE Peyton Hendershot to the Chiefs

Cowboys Trade TE Peyton Hendershot to the Chiefs for a 2026 Conditional Pick

The Dallas Cowboys have finalized a trade that sends tight end Peyton Hendershot to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to sources. This move comes as the Cowboys planned to release Hendershot, but instead found a trade partner in the Chiefs, who were looking to bolster their tight end depth. Hendershot now joins Kansas City, where he will have the opportunity to learn from and play alongside one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Travis Kelce.

In this article, we will delve into Peyton Hendershot’s college career, his early NFL career, and his potential impact on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Peyton Hendershot’s College Career at Indiana University

Peyton Hendershot’s football journey began at Indiana University, where he became one of the most productive tight ends in the program’s history. Hendershot played for the Hoosiers from 2017 to 2021, showcasing his talent as a reliable pass-catcher and an important part of Indiana’s offense.

In his freshman year in 2017, Hendershot saw limited action, recording just 1 reception for 9 yards. However, he quickly emerged as a key player in his sophomore season. In 2018, Hendershot caught 15 passes for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and provide a big target in the red zone made him a valuable asset for the Hoosiers.

Hendershot’s breakout season came in 2019 when he set career highs across the board. He recorded 52 receptions for 622 yards and 4 touchdowns, becoming one of the top tight ends in the Big Ten. His performance earned him Third-Team All-Big Ten honors and put him on the radar of NFL scouts. Hendershot’s combination of size, athleticism, and hands made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Despite facing challenges in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hendershot continued to be a key contributor for Indiana. He finished the season with 23 receptions for 151 yards and 4 touchdowns in a shortened season. Hendershot’s leadership and experience were instrumental in helping the Hoosiers achieve a top-15 national ranking and a berth in the Outback Bowl.

In his final season in 2021, Hendershot once again delivered a strong performance, recording 46 receptions for 543 yards and 4 touchdowns. His consistency and production throughout his college career solidified his status as one of the top tight end prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Hendershot finished his college career with 136 receptions, 1,479 yards, and 14 touchdowns. He left Indiana as the program’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards by a tight end, cementing his legacy as one of the best to ever play the position for the Hoosiers.

Early NFL Career with the Dallas Cowboys

Peyton Hendershot went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he quickly signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. The Cowboys saw potential in Hendershot as a developmental tight end with the ability to contribute in both the passing and running games.

Hendershot made the Cowboys’ 53-man roster out of training camp and appeared in 16 games during his rookie season in 2022. He finished the year with 11 receptions for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. While his role in the offense was limited, Hendershot showed flashes of his potential as a reliable target in the passing game and a capable blocker in the running game.

In 2023, Hendershot continued to develop as a backup tight end, appearing in 9 games before being traded to the Chiefs. He recorded 6 receptions for 58 yards during the 2023 season. While his stats may not jump off the page, Hendershot’s contributions went beyond the numbers. He provided depth at the tight end position and was a key special teams player for the Cowboys.

How Peyton Hendershot Will Help the Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have established themselves as one of the premier teams in the NFL, and much of their success can be attributed to the play of All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. As Kelce enters the later stages of his career, the Chiefs are looking to build depth at the tight end position and find potential successors who can eventually take over for Kelce. This is where Peyton Hendershot comes into play.

Hendershot’s arrival in Kansas City gives the Chiefs another young, athletic tight end to develop behind Kelce. While Hendershot is unlikely to see significant playing time initially, he will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the game and refine his skills in an offense that heavily features the tight end position.

Hendershot’s skill set fits well with what the Chiefs like to do offensively. He has the ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties with his size and athleticism. His experience as a pass-catcher in college and his development in the NFL make him a viable option in the Chiefs’ passing game, particularly in the red zone.

In addition to his receiving abilities, Hendershot’s blocking skills will be valuable for the Chiefs. Kansas City’s offense relies on tight ends to contribute in the running game, and Hendershot has shown that he can hold his own as a blocker. His versatility allows the Chiefs to use him in a variety of formations, whether as an in-line tight end or split out wide.

Looking ahead, Hendershot has the potential to carve out a role in Kansas City’s offense, especially as the Chiefs look to manage Kelce’s workload and prepare for the future. With Kelce as a mentor, Hendershot can develop into a well-rounded tight end capable of contributing in all facets of the game.

### The Future Outlook for Hendershot with the Chiefs

The trade to Kansas City represents a fresh start for Peyton Hendershot and an opportunity to prove himself in one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses. While Hendershot may not be an immediate star, his potential to grow into a significant contributor for the Chiefs is undeniable.

Hendershot’s ability to learn from Travis Kelce and work with one of the best offensive minds in the game, head coach Andy Reid, puts him in an ideal situation to succeed. If Hendershot can continue to develop his skills and take advantage of the opportunities that come his way, he could become a key part of the Chiefs’ future plans at tight end.

In the short term, Hendershot will provide valuable depth for the Chiefs and contribute on special teams, while also competing for snaps behind Kelce. In the long term, Hendershot has the potential to become a starting-caliber tight end in the NFL and a weapon in Kansas City’s high-powered offense.

As the Chiefs continue their pursuit of Super Bowl titles, Peyton Hendershot could play an important role in helping them maintain their success and ensure the tight end position remains a strength for years to come. For now, Chiefs fans can look forward to watching Hendershot develop and seeing how he fits into the future of the team.